Hundreds of teachers in county Longford stage lunchtime protest

Hundreds of teachers in county Longford held a lunchtime protest outside their schools on Tuesday and sought a delay in implementing the Senior Cycle redevelopment.

The protest, which took place nationwide, was organised by second-level teacher unions the ASTI and the TUI.
The protest followed a decision to ‘accelerate’ Senior Cycle redevelopment plans.

Teachers such as Padraic McWeeney of St Mel’s College said they are very concerned that aspects of the plans pose a threat to education standards, fairness and quality.

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"I think it will increase the stress on students because with this new set-up they will have a project to do for every subject," he added.

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Mr McWeeney said they also have concerns about current system capacity to accommodate such major change as they currently have two laptop trolleys and two rooms with computers.

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"Students from more affluent backgrounds will also have an advantage as they will have more access to laptops and resources and it will increase inequality."